Just a comment on one thing you said, Ninj, but a comment-in-general rather than aimed at you:
It is a well worn cliche for somebody to call a heavy defeat a “bad day at the office”, to state that we must “learn from it”, work hard in training to iron out the errors and how such (hopefully) freak results are “the kick up the arse” the players needed.
But why do players constantly need a kick up the arse to avoid repeating the same mistakes? Where is the mental toughness, the ne’er say die attitude, the leader?
I’d argue that the Rs haven’t really had that sort of player since Derry or Hill (maybe Nelsen?); limited footballers, but set the right example to those around them. Ned didn’t have it. I don’t know about BFG2, but he must be wondering what in the hell he’s walked into.
Much is said of getting the spine right in a team and I wholly agree with it’s primary importance. Trying to play the ball out from the back is admirable, but if you’ve got ten outfield members of the Keystone Cops it ain’t gonna work much.
We need rid of Washington, Sylla, Cousins, Bidwell, Lynch and I dare say 2-3 others and start scouring the globe for a few grown ups that know what they’re doing and can lead by example.